Explore negotiations rather than embark on any strike action – FG tells NLC

In response to the seven-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the federal government has taken action. The NLC had warned of an impending strike if the government failed to address the adverse effects of certain economic policies that have resulted in a higher cost of living for citizens. The congress accused the government of displaying significant disrespect and disregard for the Nigerian people.

In reaction to the strike notice, B.E. Jedy-Agba, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Justice, stated that if the NLC proceeds with the strike, it would be disregarding a court order that prohibits such action. The permanent secretary urged the NLC to explore alternative negotiation methods with the federal government instead of resorting to self-help and disregarding court orders.

The statement reads; “It is noted that the issues (removal of fuel subsidy, hike in prices of petrol and consequential increase in the cost of living, etc) which precipitated the above court action are the very same issues over which NLC has now issued another strike notice.

“The NLC has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and is being represented by the reputable law firm of Femi Falana, SAN. It is therefore our minimum expectation that the NLC will allow the courts to perform their constitutional roles rather than resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court.

“We note with dismay that this latest strike notice is consistent with the inexplicable disdain which the NLC leadership has visited on the authority of the court in recent times following earlier inciting and derogatory remarks made by the NLC president against the court.

“Aside from the above legal inhibition against any strike action of any nature, we also note that both the federal and state governments are engaging with stakeholders to cushion the collateral effect of the removal of fuel subsidy and increment in fuel price.

“It would be a great act of service to Nigerian workers and the nation’s economy for NLC to explore negotiations rather than embark on any strike action.”